Stina Blackstenius secured a thrilling victory for Arsenal in the Continental Cup final against Chelsea with a goal in the 116th minute.
Arsenal Women successful defended their Continental Cup Title against Chelsea on Sunday with an extra time goal by Blackstenius.
Breaking through Chelsea’s defense, Blackstenius found space and delivered a decisive low strike past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, sealing Arsenal’s retention of the title in a manner reminiscent of their win last year.
The final, played at Molineux, was marked by both dramatic and emotional moments. Arsenal’s Frida Maanum had to be carried off on a stretcher after collapsing at the end of regular time.
Chelsea, aiming to become the first English women’s team since Arsenal in 2007 to win four trophies in a season, had an early goal disallowed by VAR due to handball in the build-up by Erin Cuthbert.
Arsenal gained momentum after the disallowed goal, with chances from Katie McCabe and Lotte Wubben-Moy. Both goalkeepers, Hampton for Chelsea and Manuela Zinsberger for Arsenal, made crucial saves in the second half.
The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, leading to extra time. Despite the worrying scenes with Maanum’s injury, the game saw a record attendance of 21,462 spectators for the Women’s League Cup.
Ultimately, it was Blackstenius who made the difference, securing Arsenal’s seventh League Cup crown with a well-executed goal, adding to the drama of a memorable final.
